16finalvmrc06

FINAL REPORT

Chesapeake Bay Trophic Interactions Laboratory Services (CTILS) Project RF 05-12 June 2003 – June 2006 Prepared by

Debra J. Parthree Christopher F. Bonzek Robert J. Latour Chesapeake Bay Trophic Interaction Laboratory Services Virginia Institute of Marine Science PO Box 1346 Gloucester Point, VA 23062 email: parthree@vims.edu phone: 804.684.7891 fax: 804.684.7110

Submitted to Virginia Marine Resources Commission Marine Recreational Fishing Advisory Board

1 August 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……..…………………………………………....……..........ii LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………..……………...iii LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................................iv SUMMARY OF WORK.....................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................1 Identification of problem.........................................................................................1 Introduction of research...........................................................................................3 Project objectives.....................................................................................................3 METHODS..........................................................................................................................4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION..........................................................................................7 Adult and juvenile striped bass foraging habitats..................................................10 Virginia vegetated and non-vegetated habitats......................................................12 Non-indigenous species.........................................................................................16 Monthly shifts in diet.............................................................................................18 Juvenile piscivores.................................................................................................19 CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................20 REFERENCES..................................................................................................................21

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CTILS would like to thank James Gartland for his knowledgeable guidance and support.

Thanks to all of the monitoring surveys and individuals that participated in the CTILS program in the interest of ecosystem-based fisheries management: VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey Marcel Montane Wendy Lowery Hank Brooks Aimee Halvorson Amanda Hewitt Julia Ellis Courtney Ford

VIMS Juvenile Seine Surveys Julia Ellis Amanda Hewitt summer field crews

VIMS Trammel Net Survey Jacques Van Montfrans David Combs Jill Dowdy

MDNR Creel and Spawning Stock Survey Erik Zlokovitz Harry Hornick Jeff Santacroce Jim Uphoff

MDNR Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey Eric Durell

USFWS Cooperative Winter Tagging Survey Wilson Laney (USFWS) Sara Winslow (NCDMF) Art Coppola (USFWS) Jeff Ferrence (NCDMF) Eric Gowdy (NCDMF) Lara Jarvis (NCDMF) Lydia Munger (ASMFC) Kelly Register (ECU) Roger Rulifson (ECU) Clif Tipton (USFWS) Erik Zlokovitz (MDNR) Stephen Taylor (NCDMF)

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LIST OF TABLES Table 1.

Distribution of samples obtained from various surveys participating in the CTILS program, 2003 to 2006...........................................................8

Table 2.

Distribution of species collected for diet analysis by the CTILS program, 2003 to 2006.................................................................................8

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.

Locations sampled by various surveys participating in the CTILS program 2003-2004. In some cases, exact locations were randomly selected each month and therefore changed throughout the sampling period. The MDNR Adult Striped Bass Creel and Spawning Stock Survey sampled throughout the main stem of the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay......................................................................................5

Figure 2.

Area sampled by the USFWS Cooperative Winter Tagging Survey, 2005.............................................................................................................6

Figure 3.

Diet of adult striped bass captured by various surveys participating in the CTILS program, 2003-2006.............................................................10

Figure 4.

Diet of juvenile striped bass captured by various surveys participating in the CTILS program, 2004.................................................11

Figure 5.

Diet of weakfish captured by the VIMS Trammel Net Survey and the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005....................................12

Figure 6.

Diet of summer flounder captured by the VIMS Trammel Net Survey and the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005........................13

Figure 7.

Diet of silver perch captured by the VIMS Trammel Net Survey and the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005........................14

Figure 8.

Diet of Atlantic croaker captured by the VIMS Trammel Net Survey and the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005........................15

Figure 9.

Diet of blue catfish captured by the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005.....................................................................................16

Figure 10.

Diet of blue catfish captured by the VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey, 2004-2005...........................................................................17

Figure 11.

Monthly diet of Atlantic croaker captured by the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey in the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers, March 2004 to February 2005....................................................................18

Figure 12.

Diet of YOY bluefish captured by the VIMS Juvenile Bluefish Seine Survey at Southside and Eastern Shore locations of Chesapeake Bay, 2004-2005......................................................................19

iv

Figure 13.

Diet of Atlantic needlefish captured by seine at Southside, Eastern Shore, and Virginia tributary locations of Chesapeake Bay, 2004-2005.........................................................................................20

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SUMMARY OF WORK Stomach samples or whole fish were obtained from a network of up to eight participating fisheries surveys in the Chesapeake Bay area. Field supplies and sample transport were provided by CTILS. Whole fish were processed for length, weight, and sex determination. Stomachs were removed and analyzed in the laboratory and prey types determined. In support of ecosystem-based fisheries management, estimates of locationspecific diet composition were produced for each species. Comparisons of dietary habits of each species among a range of habitats in the Bay and throughout various time frames were made.

INTRODUCTION Identification of problem Fisheries researchers and managers in the Chesapeake Bay region are developing multispecies management plans for commercially, recreationally, and ecologically important species. Both the Chesapeake 2000 (C2K) agreement and the recently completed regional Fisheries Ecosystem Plan (FEP) commit the states of Maryland and Virginia to incorporating an adaptive, ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management strategies.

A principal requirement of ecosystem-based fisheries assessment models such as Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) is well-quantified estimates of predator-prey relationships or trophic interactions (Latour et al., 2003; Christensen, 2006). Trophic interactions among populations are typically elucidated through the analysis of stomach contents. These diet analyses can generate biomass values for specific predators and prey species and can be used to more realistically estimate gains and losses to fish populations (Latour et al., 2003). It must be recognized, however, that trophic interactions vary according to temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, to adequately characterize these interactions within an ecosystem, an extensive database of fish diet composition information is needed.

Specific questions regarding the predator-prey interactions among economically and ecologically important fish species have arisen as a result of this ecosystem-based approach. For example, striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are known predators of Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) (Manooch, 1973; Hartman and Brandt, 1995; Griffin, 2001; Uphoff, 2003; and Walter and Austin, 2003) but the extent to which these interactions impact each of the populations is unknown. Furthermore, striped bass prey heavily upon a multitude of other species as well, depending on the foraging habitat.

Thus, to provide the most synoptic overview of the trophic ecology of this species, predator-prey interactions in specific habitats should be considered.

Given that the proliferation of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) habitat in the Chesapeake Bay is a high priority in restoration efforts and that these habitats provide a 1

nursery area for both fish and invertebrates, trophic dynamics that develop in this newly established habitat should be monitored. There is already evidence that in Chesapeake Bay seagrass beds juvenile blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) comprise the vast majority of the striped bass diet, and significant quantities of soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria) have been found in the diet of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus).

Potential for competition with native species for food and decimation of native species by predation are some of the most dangerous risks when introducing a fish species into a non-native habitat (United States Geological Survey, 2005). Thus, non-indigenous species should be considered when assessing trophic interactions. In Virginia, blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) are considered a non-indigenous aquatic species introduced from the Mississippi River drainage to control the exotic Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) population and to enhance recreational fishing (Jenkins and Burkhead, 1994; United States Geological Survey, 2005). At present, the species is proliferating in Virginia. Blue catfish was the fifth most abundant species caught (excluding bay anchovy and hogchoker) by the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey from July 2004 to June 2005 (Montane and Lowery, 2005).

Because estuaries are temporally dynamic as well as spatially variable, it is also important to consider monthly or seasonal shifts in fish diets. Adequate temporal coverage ensures a broader, more accurate understanding of the trophic dynamics among species within an ecosystem. For example, a monthly diet analysis would be appropriate for a species which inhabits the Chesapeake Bay in large numbers year-round such as Atlantic croaker, while a year to year comparison would be a more reasonable analysis for fish populations that display an influx in population to the Bay only during some parts of the year such as striped bass, weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), and summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus).

While increased survival in the early life history stages may ultimately improve the yearclass strength of a fish population (Boynton et al., 1981), consideration of young-of-the year (YOY) and juvenile fish diets is also important. Diet analyses of fishes captured by smaller-scale surveys such as the seine surveys which operate in specific niche environments and usually target young-of-the-year fishes provide insight into the trophic dynamics of the early life history of fishes and their environment. For example, bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) are considered an important recreational species in the Chesapeake Bay vicinity, and are voracious piscivores not only as adults (Richards, 1976; Buckel et al., 1999; Harding and Mann, 2001; Juanes et al., 2001) but also as young-of-the-year (Buckel and Conover 1997). Atlantic needlefish (Strongylura marina) are also considered piscivores (Murdy et al., 1997). Given the apex predator status of these species and the need to quantify trophic interactions between fish populations, monitoring of their diets is important.

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Introduction of research A database of fish diet information continues to be developed at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. The Chesapeake Bay Trophic Interactions Laboratory Services (CTILS) program was established in 2003 and developed with three years of state-specific grants through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission’s (VMRC) Recreational Fishing Advisory Board (RFAB).

The CTILS program provides a service to various fisheries monitoring surveys in the Chesapeake Bay region in return for supplying samples for fish trophic ecology research.

Not only is value added to each of these surveys by enhancing their functions as collaborative entities, but they also receive feedback reports containing a complete and thorough analysis of the trophic interactions which occur in their respective study locations. In addition to the collaborative efforts between CTILS and surveys within VIMS, participation by other agencies includes those from Maryland and North Carolina.

Also involved are two surveys from Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), as well as a large-scale cooperative winter trawling operation which partners the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), East Carolina University (ECU), MDNR, and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

The Chesapeake Bay Trophic Interactions Laboratory Service was designed partially in response to the Fisheries Ecosystem Plan (FEP) developed by the Chesapeake Fisheries Ecosystem Plan Technical Advisory Panel. The Plan calls for development of ecosystem-based fisheries models, and while those models are being generated by scientists working together from a suite of institutions (including University of British Columbia Fisheries Centre, NOAA/Chesapeake Research Consortium, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, University of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office/Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources), programs such as CTILS are concurrently generating the data required for the models.

Project objectives The overall goal of this project was to provide fisheries researchers and managers with the integrated trophic interactions database that can be used to support the development of ecosystem-based fisheries stock assessment models. To meet that goal the following objectives were established: 

Continue development of a cooperative network of researchers in the Chesapeake Bay region to collect fish stomach samples and associated environmental data.

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

Construct a thorough fish diet composition database encompassing an array of species, locations/habitats, seasons, and age-classes throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.

Specifically, the CTILS program intended to provide biomass values for a subsample of predator (consumer) species and biomass and fractional values of the prey consumed.

This diet data will be associated with the survey catch data, a basic requirement of traditional fisheries models.

Because much of our effort was focused on collecting samples encompassing a wide range of temporal and spatial coverage, our extensive database also facilitated numerous secondary objectives. The CTILS website (www.fisheries.vims.edu/ctils) was updated regularly with new diet information, a photo journal of identified prey items, and an interactive map depicting the geographic coverage of samples processed. Additionally, as specific questions arise regarding the trophic ecology of a particular species, time period, and/or geographic location, we will develop a systematic approach for data analysis and to demonstrate results and conclusions quickly and efficiently. Finally, we intend to follow up these analyses by publishing results in peer reviewed scientific journals.

METHODS The Chesapeake Bay Trophic Interactions Laboratory Services program relied on preexisting fish monitoring and assessment operations to acquire samples for processing.

These surveys not only provided the samples needed to create the rich database proposed by the CTILS program, but also added value to their own operations by enhancing their function as collaborative entities. To ensure that our database reflected adequate temporal and spatial scales, samples and associated environmental data were acquired from this client network of research projects across the bay (Figure1) and near-coastal region (Figure 2).

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Chesapeake Bay, USA

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VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey VIMS Trammel Net Survey VIMS Juvenile Bluefish Seine Survey VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey MDNR Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey

Figure 1. Locations sampled by various surveys participating in the CTILS program 2003-2004. In some cases, exact locations were randomly selected each month and therefore changed throughout the sampling period. The MDNR Adult Striped Bass Creel and Spawning Stock Survey sampled throughout the main stem of the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay.

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Atlantic Ocean

VIRGINIA NORTH CAROLINA

# S # # S S # S # # S S ## # S S # # S S # S SS #### # # # S S S # S # # S # S S S S # S # # # #S S S S S # # S S # # # S # S S S # S # # # S S S # # # S S S # # # # # S S S S S # # # S S S # # S # S S # # S S # S # # S S #S S # # S # S # S # # S S # # S # S S # # S S # S # S # S

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USFWS winter tagging survey

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Figure 2. Area sampled by the USFWS Cooperative Winter Tagging Survey, 2005.

Participation by VIMS surveys included that of the Juvenile Fish and Blue Crab Trawl Survey, the Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey, the Juvenile Bluefish Seine Survey, the Seagrass Trammel Net Survey, and a crab enhancement study in association with the Trammel Net Survey. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) participation included that of the Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey, and the Adult Striped Bass Creel and Spawning Stock Survey. Participation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) near-coastal winter striped bass tagging survey, in cooperation with North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), East Carolina University (ECU), MDNR, and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), was also established.

Initially, CTILS focused on defining the diet composition of a limited number of primarily piscivorous fishes. However, with continued funding, resources and expertise allowed for an expansion of the program to include additional fish species linked by trophic interactions to benthic and plankton communities.

A standardized protocol for the laboratory and analytical services provided by CTILS, which includes methodologies for sample preservation, transportation, and processing, was adhered to. Whole fish were provided to CTILS for processing by the VIMS trawl and seine surveys, and the MDNR seine survey. The fish were measured to the nearest 5

6

mm and weighed to the nearest 0.1 g. Stomachs were removed and preserved in normalin. The VIMS trammel net survey and crab enhancement study, the MDNR adult creel survey, and the USFWS cooperative tagging survey provided stomach samples, already preserved, along with associated fish length and weight data. All samples were accompanied by environmental data for the study locations.

Preserved stomachs were processed via a standardized laboratory protocol (Hyslop, 1980). The stomachs were removed from the fixative and weighed to the nearest 0.0001 g. The stomach contents were emptied and the stomach weighed again. The prey items were identified to the lowest possible taxon, enumerated, and weighed to the nearest 0.0001 g wet weight. The proportion by weight of each prey type was determined in all analyses. Empty stomachs were eliminated from the analyses.

Diet analyses were presented in regular reports to the participating surveys.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Ultimately, the data generated by CTILS will be incorporated into the Chesapeake Bay Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model as well as several multispecies bioenergetics models currently under development by various research groups (Pauly et al., 2000; Latour et al., 2003; Christensen et al., 2006). From these models, management decisions can be based upon a more complete understanding of the population dynamics and interactions of commercially and recreationally exploited fish stocks. All diet and related field data will become a part of a regional library and will be identifiable as to survey and/or investigator. Any publications that result from shared samples will either be joint publications with those who provided samples, or the partners will be given appropriate acknowledgement according to the level of participation. These publications will also formally acknowledge the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Recreational Fishing Advisory Board.

To date, samples for CTILS have been provided by eight different surveys, and 8425 stomachs from 34 species have been processed (Tables 1 and 2).

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Table 1. Distribution of samples obtained from the various surveys participating in the CTILS program,20032006.

Total Stomachs Processed

Percent of Total

Pelagic, Virginia tributaries (James, York, Rappahannock Rivers)

4143

49

VIMS Trammel Net Survey

Seagrass beds, Chesapeake Bay

1400

17

MDNR Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey

594

7

VIMS Juvenile Bluefish Seine Survey

Littoral, Maryland tributaries (Choptank, Nanticoke, Patuxent, Potomac Rivers and Head of Bay) Littoral and surf zone, Virginia Eastern Shore and Southside Chesapeake Bay

608

7

VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey

Littoral, Virginia tributaries (James, York, Rappahannock Rivers)

755

9

MDNR Striped Bass Creel Survey

Pelagic, Maryland Chesapeake Bay main stem

325

4

USFWS Cooperative Winter Tagging Cruise

Nearshore oceanic, Northeast North Carolina

402

5

VIMS Crab Enhancement Study

Littoral, sheltered, York River

198

2

8425

100

Survey

Habitat sampled

VIMS Juvenile Fish and Blue Crab Trawl Survey

TOTAL

Table 2. Distribution of species collected for diet analysis by the CTILS program, 2003 to 2006.

Species

Common name

Total

Percent of Total

Micropogonias undulatus Morone saxatilis Cynoscion regalis Ictalurus furcatus Morone americana Paralichthys dentatus Bairdiella chrysoura Leiostomus xanthurus Menticirrhus spp.

Strongylura marina Pomatomus saltatrix Others TOTAL

Atlantic croaker striped bass weakfish blue catfish white perch summer flounder silver perch spot kingfish spp.

Atlantic needlefish bluefish

2297 2097 744 691 559 548 353 230 220 203 138 345 8425

27.26 24.89 8.83 8.20 6.64 6.50 4.19 2.73 2.61 2.41 1.64 4.09 100.00

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In addition to providing information for ecosystem-based fisheries models in the future, the CTILS database was used to compare the diets of fish species in multiple contexts, as fish diets change in time and space. Performing simple diet analyses on priority species based on their commercial, recreational, or ecological importance reveals preliminary information on which to build more robust analyses. A comparison of the diets of adult striped bass (Morone saxatilis) collected by four surveys operating in different regions of the Chesapeake Bay indicated notable differences as well as similarities (Figure 3). A similar comparison between the diets of juvenile striped bass sampled by three different surveys in the Chesapeake Bay in 2004 was performed (Figure 4).

Comparisons were also made between the diets of predators utilizing the Chesapeake Bay seagrass beds and the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers. Diets of weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura), and Atlantic croaker were compared (Figures 5-8). The diets of blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) were also compared between the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers midwater habitats (Figure 9) and the James and Rappahannock Rivers littoral habitat (Figure 10). The diet of blue catfish was monitored in order to establish any interactions with native species and/or ascertain any impacts on the Asian clam.

Because substantial numbers of Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) occur in Chesapeake Bay habitats year-round, a monthly plot of diet data from specimens sampled in the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers in Virginia was generated (Figure 11).

Young-of-the-year bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) diet was compared between fish captured at Southside and Eastern Shore locations of Chesapeake Bay (Figure 12). The VIMS Juvenile Bluefish Seine Survey and the Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey both captured Atlantic needlefish (Stronylura marina), and a diet comparison between fish captured at the Southside and Eastern Shore locations and the Virginia tributaries was made (Figure 13).

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Adult and juvenile striped bass foraging habitats The most distinct difference between the diets of adult striped bass captured in various habitats was between that in the seagrass beds versus the Virginia river tributaries, the Maryland main stem, and the nearshore North Carolina vicinity (Figure3). The primary prey of striped bass in seagrass beds were blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) was the main prey of specimens sampled in the main stem of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Bay anchovies (Anchoa mitchilli), followed by Atlantic menhaden, were the most important prey for striped bass collected in nearshore waters of Virginia and North Carolina. Bay anchovy and Atlantic menhaden were equally important, by weight, in the diet of striped bass collected from the Virginia Chesapeake Bay tributaries.

Figure 3. Diet of adult striped bass captured by various surveys participating in the CTILS program, 2003-2006 miscellaneous [n=435]

[n=155]

[n=76]

[n=55]

% weight composition

100%

polychaetes

90%

spotted hake

80%

spot

70%

other animals

60%

minnows, killifishes, gobies, silversides Atlantic croaker

50% 40%

white perch 30%

unidentified and other fishes blue crabs

20% 10%

bay anchovy

0%

Seagrass (233- Maryland main Nearshore North Virginia 764 mm) stem Carolina (410- tributaries (231Chesapeake Bay 940 mm) 630 mm) (275-1224 mm)

Atlantic menhaden

Furthermore, the diets of striped bass captured in the Virginia tributaries and in the seagrass beds display a greater diversity than the striped bass captured in the Maryland Chesapeake Bay main stem and nearshore North Carolina. This may be due to the relatively higher availability of forage habitat in the specialized niches sampled by the VIMS surveys in comparison to the more barren pelagic habitat sampled by the other two surveys. In addition, the fish sampled in Maryland and North Carolina were larger and likely more capable of preying upon schooling fishes, as opposed to foraging on slowermoving benthic prey.

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The most distinct difference in a comparison of juvenile striped bass captured in various habitats was that fishes were the primary prey of fish captured in the midwater region of the Virginia tributaries and the littoral region of the Maryland tributaries, while invertebrates dominated the diet of fish captured in the Virginia tributary littoral habitats (Figure 4). Specifically, bay anchovy made up the vast majority of the diet of juvenile striped bass sampled in the midwater tributary habitats in Virginia. A significant portion of the diet of fish captured in the Maryland littoral tributary habitats was made up of bay anchovy, while two silversides (Menidia spp.) and a tessellated darter (Etheostoma olmstedi) comprised most of the weight composition indicated by the category “unidentified and other fishes”.

Figure 4. Diet of juvenile striped bass captured by various surveys participating in the CTILS program, 2004. other animals [n=161]

[n=113]

[n=190]

Atlantic croaker

100%

zooplankton 90%

gobies

% weight composition

80% 70%

insects

60%

polychaetes

50%

miscellaneous material

40%

mysids

30%

crabs and shrimp

20% 10% 0%

Virginia tributaries, midwater (19-200 mm)

Virginia tributaries, littoral (32-153 mm)

Maryland tributaries, littoral (38-105 mm)

amphipods and isopods unidentified and other fishes bay anchovy

In contrast, the diet of juvenile striped bass in the littoral areas of the Virginia tributaries, was dominated by invertebrates. Amphipods (mostly Corophium spp., Gammarus spp., Haustoriids, and Leptocheirus plumulosus) and isopods (mostly Cyathura polita) were the dominant prey types, followed by grass shrimp (Palaemonetes spp.). Two mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) made up about onefourth of the weight composition indicated by “unidentified and other fishes”.

Notably, large numbers of the megalopa stage of blue crabs (Callinectes spp.), an important species of commercial and recreational interest in the Chesapeake Bay, were consumed by juvenile striped bass in all three sampling locations.

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Virginia vegetated and non-vegetated habitats In general, weakfish preyed primarily upon bay anchovy, Atlantic menhaden, and mysids (Neomysis americana) in the seagrass and Virginia tributary habitats (Figure 5). Atlantic menhaden was the primary prey by weight in the diet of weakfish captured in the seagrass beds and in the Rappahannock River. However, it is important to note that the number of bay anchovy was 14 times greater than the number of Atlantic menhaden consumed by weakfish in the seagrass beds and 10 times greater than Atlantic menhaden eaten by weakfish in the Rappahannock River. Bay anchovy and mysids dominated the weakfish diet by weight in the York River (bay anchovy also outnumbered Atlantic menhaden in the diet by 8 times). In the James River, weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) appear to be the most dominant prey consumed by weakfish; however, the number of bay anchovy eaten was 18 times more than the number of weakfish consumed.

Figure 5. Diet of weakfish captured by the VIMS Trammel Net Survey and the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005.

100%

[n=37]

[n=63]

[n=108]

[n=49]

miscellaneous material Atlantic croaker

% weight composition

80%

other animals spotted hake

60%

unidentified and other fishes 40%

mysids weakfish

20%

bay anchovy 0% Seagrass

James River

York River

12

Rappahannock River

Atlantic menhaden

The summer flounder sampled preyed primarily on fishes and mysids (Figure 6). In the seagrass beds and the York River, spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) was the dominant prey by weight, although bay anchovy outnumbered spot in the diet. In the seagrass habitat, three times more bay anchovy than spot were consumed by summer flounder, and 22 times more bay anchovy than spot were consumed in the York River. Mysids (Neomysis americana) was the main prey type for summer flounder in the James River and bay anchovy dominated the diet of summer flounder in the Rappahannock River. Shrimp (Palaemonetes spp. and Crangon septemspinosa) were important prey items for summer flounder in the seagrass, white perch (Morone americana) were consumed in the James River, silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura) in the York River, and Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) were preyed upon in the Rappahannock River. Atlantic menhaden were also found in the summer flounder diet in the York River.

Figure 6. Diet of summer flounder captured by the VIMS Trammel Net Survey and the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005.

100%

[n=30]

[n=140]

[n=57]

[n=41]

90%

miscellaneous material Atlantic menhaden unidentified and other fishes crabs

80% % weight composition

other animals

70% 60%

Atlantic croaker

50%

shrimp 40% 30%

silver perch

20%

mysids

10%

spot

0% Seagrass

James River

York River

13

Rappahannock River

bay anchovy

Silver perch preyed mainly on shrimp (Palaemonetes spp. and Crangon septemspinosa) in the seagrass beds and mysids (primarily Neomysis americana, some Mysidopsis bigelowi in the Rappahannock River only) (Figure7). In the York River, blue crabs comprised a significant portion of the diet by weight. However, by numerical abundance, blue crabs made up only 0.2% of the diet in the York River. Fishes (including Atlantic silversides, gobies, fourspine stickleback, striped killifish, spot, alewife, Atlantic croaker, and pipefish) were important in the diet of silver perch sampled in the seagrass beds. Bay anchovy was an important food source for silver perch in all three rivers.

Figure 7. Diet of silver perch captured by the VIMS Trammel Net Survey and the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005. striped killifish [n=73]

[n=77]

[n=76]

[n=16]

100%

gobies Atlantic silversides

% weight composition

80%

other animals

60%

unidentified and other fishes clam worms

40%

bay anchovy blue crabs

20%

shrimp mysids

0% Seagrass

James River

York River

14

Rappahannock River

Atlantic croaker diet was similar among the seagrass habitat and the river habitats (Figure 8). The primary prey types were polychaetes (Nereis spp., terebellids, Glycera spp., Clymenella torquata, and Pectinaria gouldi) and bivalves (mostly Macoma spp., Mya arenaria, Tagelus plebeius, Mulinia lateralis, and Mytilus edulis). Of the bivalves consumed, the softshell clam (M. arenaria) was the most heavily exploited species by croaker in the seagrass beds, but found only rarely in the diet of croaker in the rivers.

Amphipods (mostly Leptocheirus plumulosus, Gammarus spp., Corophium spp., and Monoculodes edwardsi) and isopods (mostly Cyathura polita, Chiridotea spp., and Synidotea laevidorsalis) were important prey types for croaker in the York and Rappahannock Rivers. Mysids (mostly Neomysis americana) were important in the James and York Rivers. Crabs (mostly Callinectes spp. and xanthids) played a role in the croaker diet in the seagrass beds and the James and York Rivers. The miscellaneous material included unidentified material, vegetation, detritus, sand, mud, and woody debris.

Figure 8. Diet of Atlantic croaker captured by the VIMS Trammel Net Survey and the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005. shrimp 100%

[n=302]

[n=301]

[n=312]

[n=183] other animals

90%

fishes

% weight composition

80% 70%

crabs

60%

mysids

50% 40%

amphipods and isopods

30%

miscellaneous material

20%

bivalves 10%

polychaetes

0% Seagrass

James River

York River

15

Rappahannock River

Non-indigenous species The blue catfish diet was diverse, which reflects the scavenger feeding behavior of this non-indigenous species (Figure 9). The apparent importance of fish in the diet of blue catfish is represented by only a few large prey fish. For example, the Atlantic menhaden, gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), and white perch were eaten in very small numbers by only a few fish, although they were large prey and therefore contribute a large proportion of the diet. Other fishes consumed included spotted hake (Urophycis regia), bay anchovy, Atlantic croaker, hogchokers (Trinectes maculatus), gobies, and an American eel (Anguilla rostrata). The prey types found more frequently and consistently in the blue catfish diet were amphipods, isopods, and mud crabs (species comparable to those eaten by Atlantic croaker in the three rivers). Miscellaneous material included unidentified material, detritus, sand, mud, shell, woody debris, vegetation, rocks, sand, peanuts, plastic trash, and pieces of scrap bait.

Figure 9. Diet of blue catfish captured by the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey, 2004-2005. bay anchovy [n=222]

[n=98]

[n=153]

100%

spotted hake bivalves other animals

% weight composition

80%

hydroids unidentified and other fishes white perch

60%

crabs

40%

amphpods and isopods gizzard shad 20%

miscellaneous material Atlantic menhaden 0% James River

York River

Rappahannock River

16

Blue catfish were captured by the VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey in only the Rappahannock and James Rivers. The main prey types in the Rappahannock River were the exotic Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) and insects (mostly Chironomid larvae and pupae, mayfly nymphs, and caddisfly larvae). In the James River, the blue catfish preyed mostly on wedge rangia clams (Rangia cuneata). The remainder of the diet reflected scavenging behavior, as significant quantities of scales, especially those of longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), and vegetation were found. Miscellaneous material consumed by the blue catfish in both rivers included unidentified material, rocks, sand, and wood.

Figure 10. Diet of blue catfish captured by the VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey, 2004-2005.

100%

[n=59]

[n=67]

90%

other bivalves

80% % weight composition

other animals

vegetation

70%

gar scales 60% 50%

insects

40%

wedge rangia clam

30%

Asian clam

20%

miscellaneous material

10% 0% Rappahannock River

James River

17

Monthly shifts in diet The diet of Atlantic croaker foraging in the midwater habitats of the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers displayed shifts in diet throughout the year (Figure 11). From March 2004 to March 2005, mysids (largely Neomysis americana) were found in the croaker diet every month, and polychaetes (Nereis spp., Glycera spp., Terebellids, Clymenella torquata, and Pectiaria gouldi) were present in all but two months. In general, mysids, amphipods (primarily Leptocheirus plumulosus, Gammarus spp., Monoculodes edwardsi, and Corophium spp.), and polychaetes dominated in the spring; clams (Macoma spp., Mya arenaria, and Mulinia lateralis) and polychaetes were dominant in the summer; crabs (primarily Callinectes sapidus, Rhithropanopeus harrissii, and Pagurus spp.), shrimp (Crangon septemspinosa) and polychaetes were the primary prey in the fall; and mysids and polychaetes were most important in the winter.

The changes in diet may be a result of the availability of prey, the size classes of fish inhabiting the sample location each month, or the presence of other competing species for resources. These questions will be addressed via formal statistical analyses of the diet data coupled with the survey catch data.

[n=39]

[n=69]

sea squirts [n=67]

[n=102]

[n=117]

[n=108]

[n=70]

[n=88]

[n=96]

[n=97]

[n=66]

[n=21]

Figure 11. Monthly diet of Atlantic croaker captured by the VIMS Juvenile Trawl Survey in the James, York, and Rappahannock River, March 2004 to February 2005.

other animals

100%

fishes % Weight composition

80%

bivalves 60%

crabs and shrimp

40%

miscellaneous material amphipods

20%

polychaetes 0% M 2004

A 2004

M 2004

J 2004

J 2004

A 2004

S 2004

O 2004

18

N 2004

D 2004

J 2005

F 2005

mysids

Juvenile piscivores The diet of young-of-the-year bluefish sampled at Eastern Shore and Southside locations of Chesapeake Bay were slightly different (Figure 12). The primary prey, by weight, of bluefish captured at the Southside locations was the megalope stage of blue crabs followed closely by anchovies (Anchoa hepsetus and A. mitchilli). Mullet (Mugil spp.) and mysids (Mysidopsis bigelowi and Neomysis americana) were also important prey types. At the Eastern Shore locations, the bluefish diet was dominated by anchovies and silversides. Mullet were found, but blue crabs were absent from the diet of fish sampled at these locations.

Figure 12. Diet of YOY bluefish captured by the VIMS Juvenile Bluefish Seine Survey at Southside and Eastern Shore locations of Chesapeake Bay, 2004-2005 [n=46]

[n=39]

100%

miscellaneous material other animals

90% 80%

mysids % weight composition

70%

silversides

60% 50%

mullet

40%

blue crab megalopae

30% 20%

unidentified and other fish

10%

anchovies 0%

Southside

Eastern Shore

19

The diet of Atlantic needlefish sampled from the Eastern Shore and Virginia tributary locations displayed a similar diet of anchovies (Anchoa mitchilli and A. hepsetus), silversides, and striped killifish (Fudulus majalis). Silversides were more dominant in the Eastern Shore needlefish diet, while in the Virginia tributary needlefish diet striped killifish were more dominant. The diet of needlefish from the Southside locations was slightly different. Here, anchovies were the primary prey, but blue crab megalopae and mullet were also important (Figure 13).

Figure 13. Diet of Atlantic needlefish captured by seine at Southside, Eastern Shore, and Virginia tributary locations of Chesapeake Bay, 2004-2005 other animals [n=50]

[n=97]

[n=23]

insects

100%

shrimp 90%

bluefish

% weight composition

80% 70%

miscellaneous material

60%

mullet

50%

blue crab megalopae

40%

unidentified and other fishes striped killifish

30% 20%

silversides

10%

anchovies

0% Southside

Eastern Shore

VA Tributaries

CONCLUSION The disparity in diet composition shown emphasizes the importance of collecting diet data from a variety of surveys, which expands the spatial and temporal coverage as well as the size range of fish sampled. Further, combining data from a variety of surveys provides a comprehensive diet composition database, and therefore, more reliable parameterization of multispecies fisheries assessment models. Because CTILS is designed to be used both as a reference for diet information throughout as many combinations of species and temporal and spatial scales as possible and as data to be applied to adaptive ecosystem models, the results included in this report should serve only as a few examples of the output that can be generated via this program.

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Jenkins, R. E., and N. M. Burkhead. 1994. Freshwater fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. Juanes, F., J.S. Buckel, and F.S. Scharf. 2001. Predatory behavior and selectivity of a primary piscivore: comparison of fish and non-fish prey. Marine Ecology Progress Series 217: 157-165.

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Manooch, C.S. III. 1973. Food habits of yearling and adult striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum) from Albemarle Sound, North Carolina. Chesapeake Science 14:73-86.

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School of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062.

Murdy, E.O., R.S. Birdsong, and J.A. Musick. 1997. Fishes of Chesapeake Bay. Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington D.C. Pauly, D., V. Christensen, and C. Walters. 2000. Ecopath, Ecosim, and Ecospace as tools for evaluating ecosystem impact of fisheries. ICES Journal of Marine Science 57:697-706.

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Richards, S.W. 1976. Age, growth, and food of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from East-Central Long Island Sound from July through November 1975. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 105: 523-525.

Uphoff, J.H. Jr. 2003. Predator-prey analysis of striped bass and Atlantic menhaden in upper Chesapeake Bay. Fisheries Management and Ecology 10:313-322.

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Walter, J.F. III and H.M. Austin. 2003. Diet composition of large striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in Chesapeake Bay. Fishery Bulletin 101:414-423.

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